Views wanted on conservation in the Cairngorms

Time’s running out for those who want to have their say on the next Cairngorms Nature Action Plan. Launched in May 2013, Cairngorms Nature is a partnership that brings people and organisations together with the aim of driving forward conservation projects in the Park. It has seen a great deal achieved within the first five…

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Nature farm picks up environmental award

The winner of the Cairngorms Nature Farm Award has been revealed at the Grantown Show. This special award rewards farmers or crofters who have made a substantial contribution to the natural environment around them. This year the winner is Lynbreck Croft, near Grantown-on-Spey. The owners received a plaque as recognition for their good work as…

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Squirrel crossing is helping to save so many lives

We’ve all heard of zebra and pelican crossings but in the Highlands of Scotland, there’s a new innovation – the squirrel crossing! This specially designed rope bridge is slung between trees high over a Highlands road is giving red squirrels a safe crossing. Camera footage has revealed regular use of the bridge by the charismatic…

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New plan to boost glamping in Loch Lomond national park

A major drive is underway in Scotland’s first National Park to capitalise on the growth in the popularity of glamping. The prolonged spell of good summer weather has contributed to a bumper tourist season in and around the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, but it has highlighted a shortage of certain types of…

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Search our castles to find marching butterflies

Scottish history aficionados are being asked to take a closer look at castles this summer. It’s part of a bid to track the changing fortunes of one of the UK’s most striking and overlooked butterflies. The Small Copper is in long-term decline, with almost half of the UK’s population being lost over the last 40…

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Old royal train station is set for public reopening

The official public reopening of Ballater’s Old Royal Station is set to take place later this month. The B-listed station, historically used by Royals travelling by train to their home at nearby Balmoral Castle, was destroyed by fire in May 2015 and has been rebuilt by Aberdeenshire Council. Aberdeenshire Provost Bill Howatson will officially open…

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Downsizers will find this is perfect for their needs

A new show apartment revealing perfect living for downsizers has now opened. Mactaggart & Mickel Homes have unveiled an exquisite show apartment at Lower Whitecraigs near Giffnock. Milverton Grange is a boutique collection of 20 spacious and luxurious apartments with an abundance of natural light, set in private grounds in one of Scotland’s most exclusive…

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So much potential in this 18th century church manse

A beautiful church manse dating from the 18th century is now for sale in the south of Scotland. Durisdeer Manse, located in Durisdeer, Thornhill, is a detached 2.5 storey house with a two storey rear projection, offered for sale by the Church of Scotland. Benefitting from a private setting, the seven bedroom property features a…

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Donations needed to save a Scottish relic from 1716

The Scottish public is being urged to play its part to raise at least £3000 to save and restore an 18th century relic. On Saturday, 18 August, Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries will reveal the unique and ancient carrying banner that marked the foundation of Dunfermline’s Ancient Society of Gardeners in 1716. The large banner…

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Botanic gardens are a hive of activity this summer

Folk music, ghost stories and horticulture are just some of the attractions to a Scottish botanic garden. Exotic conservation plants from the southern hemisphere complement activities of a very local nature, including a touch of the supernatural, at Logan Botanic Garden, near Stranraer. A new ‘island’ bed dedicated mainly to plants of South Africa and…

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